Punawale residents have recently voiced their concerns over the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) decision to implement a solid waste management project in their vicinity. During a visit to Pune, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray met with the concerned residents outside the Rajmahal office and pledged assistance.
Punawale has experienced rapid urbanization, with over 100,000 citizens currently calling the area home, primarily drawn to its proximity to the Hinjawadi IT Park. However, the proposed solid waste management project has raised alarm bells due to its close proximity to residential communities, situated just 200 to 400 meters away.
When the solid waste management project received approval in 2008, the area was significantly less developed. Over the years, numerous housing projects, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities have sprung up, intensifying concerns about the potential impact of the project.
The project’s location near a forest also raises concerns about the loss of natural beauty and potential environmental damage. Residents fear that nearby water sources may become polluted as a consequence of the project’s activities.
Moreover, the project’s location in the western direction, combined with prevailing westerly winds, has heightened fears about its potential effects on already established areas, including Wakad, Tathawade, Hinjawadi IT Park, Marunji, and the Mumbai Pune Highway, in addition to Punawale.
The PCMC Commissioner, Shekhar Singh, has set a target to commence the solid waste management project by December 2023, which involves the felling of numerous trees in the Punawale Kate Wasti forest, covering 22 hectares, further amplifying environmental concerns.
In response to these pressing issues, Punawale residents and neighboring communities are advocating for the cancellation of the solid waste management project, emphasizing the safety and well-being of all citizens. They hold hope that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, under the leadership of Raj Thackeray, will give due consideration to their concerns regarding urban planning and development.
Raj Thackeray has assured the concerned citizens that a decision will be reached within the next two to three days. During his visit, he was joined by several Punawale residents and MNS representatives, who collectively expressed their concerns and aspirations for a resolution.
